Keeping Your Home Safe: Key Safety Tips For a Person With Alzheimer’s Disease

Used by Permission: Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be a difficult, confusing time for families.  There are many questions about care, treatment, and the future in general.  In the process of creating a care plan, the safety issue is often initially overlooked.  The physical environment of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will require modification as time goes by.  Once very familiar household objects may no longer be recognized.  Electronic gadgets may be turned on and then abandoned for used inappropriately.  Access to kitchen appliances can pose a potential problem.  Caregivers must look at the environment with a new set of eyes, open to possible hidden hazards.

Here are some tips to help you make the environment a safe place for your loved one.

Kitchen:

1. Remove knobs from stoves to prevent them from being turned on accidentally.
2. Remove any small or non-stationary rugs to avoid tripping.
3. Adjust the water temperature to avoid accidental scalding.
4. Remove any cleaning fluids.  Do not store any toxic fluid in anything other than the original container.
5. Remove any knives and disable sink disposals.
6. Put dishes, cups, and glasses on lower shelves for easier access.
7. Unplug any small appliance not in use.
8. All household outlets should have ground fault interrupters to eliminate the danger of electrical shock.
9. Remove any matches or lighters from the home.
10. Do not wax or leave wet floors to dry.

Bedroom:

1. Make sure the bed covers don’t reach the floor to avoid tripping.
2. Keep medication out of sight and well out of reach.
3. If on the 2nd floor, place a stop bar to prevent fully opened windows.
4. Lamps should be stable with easily handled switches.
5. Keep electrical cords tied up and out of sight.
6. Use nightlights in rooms and hallways.

Bathroom:

1. Use professionally installed grab bars and shower seat in tub.
2. Use colorful non-slip bath mats in tub and on bathroom floor.
3. Remove razors, old medications, and cleaning fluids.
4. Consider a handheld shower head.

General:

1. If your home has stairs, consider installing gates.
2. Try to avoid the use of space heaters.
3. Remove any weapons that may be in the home.
4. Consider door alarms or 3-stage locks to prevent wandering outside.
5. Most importantly, please enroll in the Alzheimer’s Association Medic Alert + Safe Return ® Program.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at (800)272-3900 or check out their online newsletter:  http://alz-org-northern-mi.blogspot.com/